NAREB to host free event for New Orleans area Black American residents to learn why homeownership builds wealth

Friday, July 21, 2017

Homeownership is within reach of Black Americans and continues to be the best way to start building wealth. New Orleans area Black residents are invited to attend Community Wealth Building Day, Saturday, July 29, 2017, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. to learn how.

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) and its local chapter, the New Orleans Real Estate Brokers, have brought together real estate industry experts, housing counselors from NID-HCA Housing Counseling Agency, mortgage lenders and government agencies representing every aspect of the home buying process to answer questions and demonstrate that owning a home, or investing in real estate is not only possible, but desirable. Free to the public, Community Wealth Building Day will take place at Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), Leonard S. Washington Memorial Library, 6400 Press Drive, New Orleans, LA 70126.

“Homeownership is the American Dream that cannot be, and should not be denied to Black Americans. As a people, we did not rebound after the nation’s 2008 financial meltdown. Experience and history tells us that waiting for a solution is not the answer. Advocacy, activism and community education are the tools needed to build our wealth and asset base through homeownership,” said Ron Cooper, President of NAREB, the 70-year old minority real estate trade association that continues to work for Democracy in Housing for Black Americans. “NAREB’s taking the homeownership message to the streets at events like our Community Wealth Building Day to let Black Americans know that ownership is still possible, attainable and desirable as the wealth building tool of choice,” Cooper added.

Community Wealth Building Day kicks off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that opens the vendor showcase and admittance to the consumer information sessions, the Clergy Roundtable, professional development sessions for real estate professions, and complimentary lunch for all attendees. Families are encouraged to bring their children to the Youth Academy if child care is needed. Special guests speaking at the lunch program include: Pastor Herbert Rowe, Upper Room Church; Igwe E. Udeh, Ph.D., Dean, College of Business & Public Administration at SUNO; Rep. Joseph Bouie Jr.; Dr Mildred “Money Dr.” Dillion, C.P.A.; Councilman James Gray, and Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman.

“It’s time for us to come together as a people to teach and practice wealth building in our community through real estate investing because ‘Black Homeownership Matters,’ ” said Mary Adams Thomas, President, New Orleans Real Estate Brokers.

Consumers can expect to hear about the availability of purchase assistance funds; addressing bad credit issues; preserving wealth, along with a session to help consumers understand the mortgage process, what to expect from a lender and what questions to ask. The first 75 people will receive a free credit report and an assessment. Representatives from government agencies, lending and higher education institutions, housing counselors, and money management professionals are participating in the workshop discussions and in the exhibit area. Consumers are encouraged to ask questions from the experts to get the answers they need about home purchase or real estate investment strategies. For real estate investors, a special class will focus on how to learn to purchase Tax Foreclosures led by the New Orleans Sheriff’s department. Throughout the day, event participants can register for prizes as they interact with Community Wealth Building Day exhibitors.

“We are excited about teaming with NAREB to bring this vital information to the community. It’s all about educating the people,” said Dr. Igwe E. Udeh, Dean College of Business & Public Administration, SUNO.

“NAREB has started a movement, our 2 Million New Black Homeowners in 5 Years program to establish a new wealth building platform for Black Americans, nationwide. The program is not only our commitment, but our responsibility and obligation to our community. We’re so pleased to bring the program to New Orleans,” Cooper added.

For information and to register for the FREE Community Wealth Building Day, call 504-321-7971 or register at
https://CWBD-NEWORLEANS.EVENTBRITE.COM/
* * * * *About NAREB:
The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) was formed in 1947 to secure the right to equal housing opportunities for all regardless of race, creed, or color. NAREB has 90 chapters located nationwide and publishes annually The State of Housing in Black America (SHIBA) Report. Visit www.nareb.com for information. Or call 301-552-9340.
Contact: Joanne Williams at 202-364-0024 or 215-519-2831; Mary Thomas at 504-382-0909.